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Hockey’s most prolific family has produced yet another NHL Draft Prospect. This time it is Everett Silvertips right wing Riley Sutter. The son of former NHLer Ron Sutter was drafted in the sixth round (125th overall) of the 2014 WHL Draft. Sutter struggled in his first WHL season in 2015-16, with just one goal and three assists for four points in 31 games. He improved in his second season, putting up 20 goals and 18 assists for 38 points in 67 games. However, Sutter still struggled in the WHL playoffs, putting up just one assist in six games.
This season Sutter finally broke out. He put up 25 goals and 28 assists for 53 points in 68 games in his third season in the WHL. He also added nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 21 games as the Silvertips advanced to the WHL final. Unfortunately, they fell to the Swift Current Broncos.
Riley Sutter Scouting Report
Right Wing — shoots Right
Born October 25th, 1999 — Calgary, Alberta
Height 6’3″ — Weight 205 lbs [191 cm / 93 kg]
Skating
Sutter has very good speed. Once he gets going, he is tough to stop. He can take a defender wide off the rush and cut to the net. However, he does need to work on his first couple of steps and his acceleration. This can be a problem in shorter races to loose pucks, and in quick changes of direction. Sutter’s agility and edgework are decent but again could use a bit of improvement. His turns are a bit wide. Sutter has a long and powerful stride. He can fight through checks and keep moving forward. A strong lower-body gives Sutter excellent balance and helps him to win battles on the boards and in front of the net.
Offensive Game
Sutter plays a north-south style of game. He is quick to get in on the forecheck and punishes opposing defencemen if he gets the chance. Sutter’s relentless pressure along the boards creates turnovers which he then translates into offensive opportunities. He uses his body to protect the puck in the cycle game and keeps it moving with quick passes to the open man. While he’s not creative in terms of his stickhandling, he can be creative with his passes, fitting the puck through tight areas and leading to scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Sutter is more of a goal scorer than a playmaker though. His wrist shot and one-timer are both particularly heavy and accurate. He could work on having a bit quicker of a release though. Sutter does most of his damage in close to the net. He creates havoc at the top of the crease. Sutter has the soft, quick hands to pounce on rebounds and put them in the back of the net. He is also good at tip-ins and burying passes in tight.
Defensive Game
Sutter plays a responsible defensive game. He brings his physical presence in his own end. He uses his size and long stick to cut down passing lanes, and is willing to put his body on the line to block shots. Sutter is a smart player who reads the play well. His anticipation helps him to create turnovers, which he can quickly translate into offence. Sutter is a threat on the penalty kill. Though he seems to have made a permanent move to wing, Sutter was also good in the face-off circle.
Projection and Comparison
Sutter has the potential to be a two-way winger in his team’s middle six. There are some offensive skills here, but it is a question of exactly how much of his offensive game will translate to the next level. With a high-end work ethic and good defensive play Sutter should eventually carve out a role at the NHL level. It’s a matter of how high in the lineup that role will be. In terms of a comparison, he plays the game with the typical Sutter panache.
Highlights
The following is a compilation of some of the highlight packages and features of Riley Sutter that are available on youtube.
Check back tomorrow for the next prospect on our draft board.
Main Photo:
EVERETT, WA – MAY 09: Everett Silvertips forward Riley Sutter (14) makes a pass in the third period during Game 4 of the Western Hockey League Championship between the Everett Silvertips and the Swift Current Broncos at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA. Swift Current defeated Everett by a final score of 1-0. (Photo by Christopher Mast/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Sport)
